US warns of catastrophe as Samsung Galaxy Note7 banned from flights

15 October 2016

The United States department of transportation has issued an emergency order banning all Samsung Galaxy Note7 smartphone devices from air transportation in the United States.

Individuals who own or possess a Samsung Galaxy Note7 device may not transport the device on their person, in carry-on baggage, or in checked baggage on flights to, from, or within the United States from today.

This prohibition includes all Samsung Galaxy Note7 devices.

The phones also cannot be shipped as air cargo.

Samsung earlier confirmed it would stop production of the device at a cost to the company upward of $4 billion.

ADVERTISEMENT

“We recognise that banning these phones from airlines will inconvenience some passengers, but the safety of all those aboard an aircraft must take priority,” said transportation secretary Anthony Foxx.

“We are taking this additional step because even one fire incident inflight poses a high risk of severe personal injury and puts many lives at risk.”

Owners of the phone have experienced documented incidents of dangerous evolution of heat with both recalled and replacement Samsung Galaxy Note7.

Samsung earlier acknowledged an imminent safety hazard, issuing product recalls on September 15th and October 13th.

Additionally, on October 11th, Samsung suspended the manufacture and sale of the Samsung Galaxy Note7 device.

“The fire hazard with the original Note7 and with the replacement Note7 is simply too great for anyone to risk it and not respond to this official recall,” said CPSC chairman Elliot Kaye.

“I would like to remind consumers once again to take advantage of the remedies offered, including a full refund. It’s the right thing to do and the safest thing to do.”

The FAA warned if passengers attempt to travel by air with their Samsung Galaxy Note7 devices, they will be denied boarding.

Passengers who attempt to evade the ban by packing their phone in checked luggage are increasing the risk of a “catastrophic incident”, warned authorities.

Anyone violating the ban may be subject to criminal prosecution in addition to fines.